Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are headlining the first UFC numbered event of 2026.
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As it stands, Pimblett is just one spot below the American on the UFC lightweight rankings and is eager to continue his ascent to the top.
The pair are set to kick-off an exciting year in MMA’s leading promotion.
Gaethje vs Pimblett: Date and where to watch
Their fight will take place on January 24, 2026.
The venue for the bout is the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
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Gaethje vs Pimblett: Timings:
The early prelims will kick off at 5pm ET/10pm GMT.
The prelim coverage will start at 7pm ET/12am GMT.
The main card will take place at an all-new start time of 9pm ET, which will be 2am GMT for UK fans.
Gaethje vs Pimblett: Undercard
- MAIN EVENT: Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett – Lightweight interim title
- Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes – Women’s bantamweight title fight
- Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis
- Arnold Allen vs Jean Silva
- Alexa Grasso vs Rose Namajunas
- Umar Nurmagomedov vs Deiveson Figueiredo
- Ateba Gautier vs Andrey Pulyaev
UFC officials have promised a landmark night for fight fans as the promotion unveils one of the most talent-loaded cards in its history. Featuring six current and former champions, the event is headlined by the highly anticipated return of the greatest female fighter of all time in what is being billed as the biggest women’s bout ever staged.
The main event sees former interim champion Justin Gaethje collide with fan favorite Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title, with the winner earning a future showdown against Ilia Topuria later this year on Paramount+. According to UFC executives, the card is designed to deliver elite competition from top to bottom, with every matchup carrying major title and legacy implications.
The UFC is preparing to launch its next era in emphatic fashion, and if early reactions are any indication, UFC 324 may stand as one of the most ambitious cards the promotion has ever assembled. With six current and former champions spread across the lineup, a historic women’s fight, and a blockbuster interim lightweight title bout in the main event, the event is being billed as must-watch viewing from the opening bell to the final horn.
“I am so excited for UFC fans that our first card has six current and former champions, including the long-awaited return of the greatest female fighter of all time — which is definitely the biggest women’s fight ever,” a UFC spokesperson said ahead of the event. “Also, in the main event we have Justin Gaethje versus Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title to see who will face Ilia Topuria later this year on Paramount+. This card is absolutely stacked — every fight is a must-see.”
A Historic Night for Women’s MMA
One of the defining storylines of UFC 324 is the return of the most dominant female fighter the sport has ever seen. Her comeback alone would be enough to anchor an event, but matched against elite opposition with championship implications, the bout carries historic significance for women’s MMA.
The fight represents more than just a clash of skills — it is a moment that bridges generations, showcasing how far the women’s divisions have evolved while honoring the legacy that helped build them. With global attention and unprecedented stakes, the matchup has been widely labeled the biggest women’s fight in UFC history.
For longtime fans, it is a chance to witness greatness once more. For newer audiences, it is an introduction to a fighter whose influence reshaped the sport.
Gaethje vs. Pimblett: Chaos Meets Confidence
At the center of the storm sits the main event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett, contested for the interim lightweight title. It is a matchup that blends elite violence, contrasting personalities, and massive divisional consequences.
Gaethje, a former interim champion and perennial contender, enters as one of the most feared strikers the lightweight division has ever known. Renowned for his relentless pressure, leg kicks, and willingness to engage in all-out wars, Gaethje has built a reputation as a fighter who never delivers a boring performance. Every appearance carries the potential for a Fight of the Year contender.
Across the cage stands Pimblett, one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars and a magnet for attention. Charismatic, unshakably confident, and rapidly improving, Pimblett has turned skepticism into momentum with each outing. While critics have questioned his readiness for elite competition, his ability to rise to the occasion has kept him undefeated inside the Octagon and propelled him into a title opportunity few predicted so soon.
Stylistically, the fight poses fascinating questions. Can Pimblett weather Gaethje’s early storm and bring the fight into deeper waters? Or will Gaethje’s experience and ferocity overwhelm the younger contender before momentum can swing?
The stakes could not be higher. The winner will move on to face Ilia Topuria later this year, a matchup that promises to define the future of the lightweight division.
The Lightweight Division at a Crossroads
With champions, contenders, and rising stars all colliding on this card, UFC 324 feels like a pivot point for multiple divisions — none more so than lightweight. Long considered the UFC’s most competitive weight class, the division is entering a period of transformation, with new champions emerging and long-time contenders fighting to maintain relevance.
Gaethje represents the battle-tested era — forged in wars, shaped by adversity, and defined by resilience. Pimblett symbolizes the next wave — media-savvy, fearless, and unburdened by past defeats. Their meeting is more than a title fight; it is a collision between eras.
Six Champions, One Card
Beyond the headliners, UFC 324 distinguishes itself through sheer depth. Six current and former champions populate the card, creating a lineup that reads more like a greatest-hits collection than a standard pay-per-view.
From former titleholders seeking redemption to reigning champions defending their positions, nearly every fight carries implications that ripple beyond the night itself. Rankings will shift. Title pictures will clarify. Careers may be redefined.
This depth ensures that even the early prelims carry meaningful intrigue. Fans tuning in for one fight may find themselves staying for all of them.
Built for Global Audiences
With the main event determining the next challenger to Ilia Topuria and the card airing later this year on Paramount+, UFC 324 is clearly designed with a global audience in mind. Star power, narrative clarity, and competitive excellence converge to create an event that appeals to hardcore fans and casual viewers alike.
From highlight-reel knockouts to technical masterclasses, the card promises a wide range of styles and storylines — the very elements that have fueled the UFC’s continued growth.
A Statement Event
UFC 324 is more than just another numbered card. It is a statement — about ambition, about depth, and about the future of the sport. By stacking champions, delivering long-awaited returns, and placing rising stars in career-defining moments, the UFC is signaling its intent to raise the bar once again.
“This card is absolutely stacked — every fight is a must-see,” the promotion declared. Few would argue otherwise.
When the Octagon door closes and the lights shine brightest, UFC 324 has all the ingredients to become a night fans will be talking about for years to come.